Album Review: Chaos Magic - Furyborn

A couple years ago, Chaos Magic released a debut record that was supposed to be the launching pad for Caterina Nix. However, the album was a product of Timo Tolkki, a man of zero ideas, so it's no surprise that it has disappeared from our collective conscience. I wish we could make Timo himself disappear, but that sadly doesn't seem to be the case. In a lucky turn of events, this sophomore effort finds Caterina working with new people, which gives us at least the ability to have hope for something better. I've heard more than enough of Tolkki's material to know he's not capable of writing a good record at this point, so kudos to Caterina for being free of him. At least I hope it was her choice.

The result of the changes is an album that is heavier, and more modern than before. The riffs have more of a grinding quality to them, and less melody, which leaves more room for Caterina's vocals to carry that burden. In the same way an album that is relentlessly heavy all the time loses its impact when there are no dynamics, if every instrument is trying to carry the melody, none of them stand out. This record tries to put the focus firmly on Caterina's voice, which is where it should be.

For the most part, that approach leads to an album with meaty riffs and soaring melodies. It's the kind of album that sneaks up on you, and you don't quite realize how much appeal it has at first. Songs like "You Will Breathe Again" and the ballad "Beware Of Silent Waters" have big, bold melodies that are far more epic and memorable than anything from the first record. They fit nicely in the context of what melodic metal is supposed to be at this point in time. It's not enough to just have a pretty voice singing something sweet, which is a mistake a lot of bands haven't yet realized is a mistake.

The best songs on this record are really good, but this isn't without missteps. The middle of the record, when we get to "Falling Again" and "Bravely Beautiful" gets bogged down in songwriting that loses the steam powering the great opening run of tracks. Also, I'm not a fan of half the record featuring guest singers. Having so many of them gives me the impression someone didn't think Caterina was enough on her own, and that's not true. Her duet with Tom England on the title track is great, because of the contrast in their voices, the rest of the duets don't sound necessary to me. If this is Caterina's band, which the branding of "Chaos Magic featuring Caterina Nix" indicates, there shouldn't be so many guests pulling the attention from her.

Those preceding two paragraphs are a mixed bag, and that's what the album can be summed up. The beginning and end sections are really good melodic metal that hits all the right notes. Unfortunately, the middle third drags things down considerably. It makes a good first impression, and a good last impression, but that's only some comfort for the lethargy I had between them. Look, this version of Chaos Magic is an improvement, that's for sure, but there is still work left to be done. The good on this record makes it clear they can get there, but it hasn't happened yet. This is a step forward, but it's still only a good record, not a great one.